Mohamed Salah played a crucial role in ensuring Egypt avoided defeat, scoring from the penalty spot to secure a 2-2 draw against Mozambique in Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The seven-time AFCON champions got off to a strong start with Mostafa Mohamed finding the net within two minutes to give them the lead.

However, quick goals from Witi and Clesio in the second half brought hope for Mozambique to secure their first victory in the tournament.

With the game hanging in the balance, Edmilson Macandza's challenge on Mostafa Mohamed led to a late penalty for Egypt. Salah stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick in the seventh minute of added time, securing the draw for his team.

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a role in suggesting a review of the challenge, prompting referee Dahane Beida to assess the situation on the screen. Salah's precise penalty, striking the inside of the left-hand upright, salvaged a point for Egypt.

In their next matches, Egypt is set to face Ghana on January 18, while Mozambique will go up against Cape Verde.